No one finds paying taxes a favorite family expense, but to maintain an organized, compassionate and progressive society they are absolutely necessary. DISTRESSINGLY, taxes are being pared with alarming frequency at the state level.
Government at all levels exists to provide constituents what they can’t provide for themselves, a rendition of economy of scale. Government isn’t a business — to make a profit for owners and/or stockholders — and in a best-case scenario revenue and expenses break even at the end of the year. That’s a legal restriction on Kansas and local governing bodies within the state.
The federal government is under no such obligation and through the years has amassed a troubling national debt that today is a touch over $17 trillion.
Meanwhile, local government is accessible, giving taxpayers more of a say.
Allen Countians received property tax statements the first of this month and in most cases tax bills increased a smidgen, mostly about 5 percent. Generally, the increases, as is the case from year to year, occurred from higher levies proposed and approved by one governing body or another.
Those increases were deemed necessary because of increased costs and often because residents — also the taxpayers who bear added costs — want additional or more comprehensive services, or infrastructure improvements.
Council, commission and school board members don’t take lightly raising tax levies, and never do without looking closely at circumstances. In each case they depend on cost-benefit analysis to lead them.
We only can ask those who govern — we elect them, by the way — to spend tax dollars wisely. There is no indication those who serve us haven’t been responsible.
Income tax cuts have caused revenue to fall short and exacerbated financial problems for public schools, social safety net programs and health care for poor Kansans.
Trickle-down economics historically has not proven effective and the economic picture in Kansas today does not portend a reversal of that trend.
Consequently a note to our representatives, Kent Thompson in the House and Caryn Tyson in the Senate: Think about the future and do all you can to help all Kansans, including those whose financial situations have left them on the outside looking in.
— Bob Johnson
Tax revenue the lifeblood of society
